Active Compression Devices, Methods Of Assembly And Methods Of Use

ABSTRACT

Active compression devices, methods of assembly and methods of use are disclosed. A bone fixation device may include a first member, a second member shaped to engage the first member, and at least one deformable member. A bone fusion device including a female member with a proximal and distal end, a male member with a proximal and distal end, and at least one elastic element positioned between the female member and the male member. A bone plating device including a first member, a second member shaped to engage the first member, and at least one deformable member positioned between the first member and the second member. Methods of assembling and using the bone fixation devices, bone fusion devices, and bone plating devices are also disclosed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority benefit to U.S. provisional applicationNo. 62/086,311 filed Dec. 2, 2014, which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to general surgery andorthopedic implants, and more specifically, but not exclusively,concerns devices implanted for bone fusion.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Bone fractures and other bone damage are regularly treated by fusion.Bones are currently fused with the assistance of implants, such as,plates and screws which are designed to hold the bones or bone pieces inplace while healing occurs and the bones or bone pieces are fusedtogether. Improved devices and methods for fusing bones together areneeded.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Advancement of the state of bone fusion and bone fixation devices andimplants and the surgical management relating to the clinicalpresentation of damaged or fractured bones within the body is believeddesirable. Several embodiments of the bone fixation devices or bonefusion devices used to treat patients suffering from either diseased ordamaged bones includes a first member, a second member, at least threespring members, and a ring member.

The present invention provides in one aspect, a bone fixation deviceincluding a first member, a second member shaped to engage the firstmember, and at least one deformable member positioned between the firstmember and the second member.

The present invention provides in another aspect, a bone fixation deviceincluding a female member with a proximal end and a distal end, a malemember with a proximal end and a distal end, and at least one elasticelement positioned between the female member and the male member.

Further, additional features and advantages are realized through thetechniques of the present invention. Other embodiments and aspects ofthe invention are described in detail herein and are considered a partof the claimed invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The subject matter which is regarded as the invention is particularlypointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion ofthe specification. It is emphasized that, in accordance with thestandard practice in the industry, various features are not drawn toscale. In fact, the dimensions of the various features may bearbitrarily increased or reduced for clarity of discussion. Theforegoing and other objects, features and advantages of the inventionare apparent from the following detailed description taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bone fixation device from a first end,in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the bone fixation device of FIG. 1 froma second end, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the bone fixation device of FIG. 1, inaccordance with an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the bone fixation device of FIG. 1 witha transparent first member, in accordance with an aspect of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the bone fixation device of FIG. 1 froma first end in an expanded position, in accordance with an aspect of thepresent invention;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the bone fixation device of FIG. 1 in anexpanded position, in accordance with an aspect of the presentinvention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the bone fixation device of FIG. 1 in anexpanded position with a transparent first member, in accordance with anaspect of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a portion of the bone fixation device ofFIG. 1 in a first position, in accordance with an aspect of the presentinvention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a portion of the bone fixation device ofFIG. 1 in a second position, in accordance with an aspect of the presentinvention;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a second member of the bone fixationdevice of FIG. 1, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a side view of the second member of the bone fixation deviceof FIG. 1, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged perspective view of the first member of the bonefixation device of FIG. 1 from a first end, in accordance with an aspectof the present invention;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged perspective view of the first member of the bonefixation device of FIG. 1 from a second end, in accordance with anaspect of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is front end view of the first member of the bone fixationdevice of FIG. 1, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a side view of the first member of the bone fixation deviceof FIG. 1, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention

FIG. 16 is a first perspective view of a ring member of the bonefixation device of FIG. 1, in accordance with an aspect of the presentinvention;

FIG. 17 is a side view of the ring member of the bone fixation device ofFIG. 1, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a second perspective view of the ring member of the bonefixation device of FIG. 1, in accordance with an aspect of the presentinvention;

FIG. 19 is an exploded view of the bone fixation device of FIG. 1, inaccordance with an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 20 depicts one embodiment of a method for assembling the bonefixation device of FIG. 1, in accordance with an aspect of the presentinvention;

FIG. 21 depicts one embodiment of a method of inserting a bone fixationdevice, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a bone fixationdevice, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 23 is a side view of the bone fixation device of FIG. 22, inaccordance with an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a portion of the bone fixation deviceof FIG. 22 with a transparent first member, in accordance with an aspectof the present invention;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the bone fixation device of FIG. 22with the first member removed, in accordance with an aspect of thepresent invention;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a second member of the bone fixationdevice of FIG. 22, in accordance with an aspect of the presentinvention;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the first member of the bone fixationdevice of FIG. 22 from a first end, in accordance with an aspect of thepresent invention;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the first member of the bone fixationdevice of FIG. 22 from a second end, in accordance with an aspect of thepresent invention;

FIG. 29 is an end view of the first member of the bone fixation deviceof FIG. 22, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 30 is a cross sectional view of the first member taken along line30-30 in FIG. 29, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 31 is an exploded view of the bone fixation device of FIG. 22, inaccordance with an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a fixationdevice, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of the fixation device of FIG. 32 with atransparent first member, in accordance with an aspect of the presentinvention;

FIG. 34 is a side view of the fixation device of FIG. 32, in accordancewith an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 35 is a perspective view of the fixation device of FIG. 32 with thefirst member removed, in accordance with an aspect of the presentinvention;

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of a second member of the fixation deviceof FIG. 32, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 37 is a side view of the first member of the fixation device ofFIG. 32, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 38 is a perspective view of the first member of the fixation deviceof FIG. 32, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 39 is an end view of the first member of the fixation device ofFIG. 32, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 40 is a cross sectional view of the first member taken along line40-40 in FIG. 39, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 41 is an exploded view of the fixation device of FIG. 32, inaccordance with an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 42 is a perspective view of a plating device, in accordance with anaspect of the present invention;

FIG. 43 is a top view of the plating device of FIG. 42, in accordancewith an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 44 is a perspective view of the plating device of FIG. 42 with atransparent first member, in accordance with an aspect of the presentinvention;

FIG. 45 is a perspective view of the plating device of FIG. 42 with thefirst member removed, in accordance with an aspect of the presentinvention;

FIG. 46 is a perspective top view of the second member of the platingdevice of FIG. 42 with the springs removed, in accordance with an aspectof the present invention;

FIG. 47 is a perspective bottom view of the second member of the platingdevice of FIG. 42, in accordance with an aspect of the presentinvention;

FIG. 48 is a perspective top view of the first member of the platingdevice of FIG. 42, in accordance with an aspect of the presentinvention;

FIG. 49 is a perspective side view of the first member of the platingdevice of FIG. 42, in accordance with an aspect of the presentinvention;

FIG. 50 is an exploded view of the plating device of FIG. 42, inaccordance with an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 51 is a perspective view of a bone fixation device, in accordancewith an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 52 is a perspective view of the bone fixation device of FIG. 51with a transparent first member, in accordance with an aspect of thepresent invention;

FIG. 53 is a side view of the bone fixation device of FIG. 51, inaccordance with an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 54 is a cross-sectional view of the bone fixation device of FIG. 51in an unlocked position taken along line 54-54 in FIG. 53, in accordancewith an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 55 is a magnified view of a portion of the bone fixation device ofFIG. 54, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 56 is a cross-sectional view of the bone fixation device of FIG. 51in a locked position taken along line 54-54 in FIG. 53, in accordancewith an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 57 is a magnified view of a portion of the bone fixation device ofFIG. 56, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention; and

FIG. 58 is an exploded view of the bone fixation device of FIG. 51, inaccordance with an aspect of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Generally stated, disclosed herein is a bone fixation device that mayinclude a first member, a second member, at least one spring member, anda ring member. As used herein, the terms “bone fixation device,” “bonefusion device,” “medical device,” “device,” and “implant” may be usedinterchangeable as they essentially describe the same device. Further,the corresponding insertion tool may also be referred to as “tool” or“instrument” and these terms may be used interchangeably. Further,described herein is a method of assembling the bone fixation device.Finally, described herein is a method of using the bone fixation deviceto compress two pieces of bone.

In this detailed description and the following claims, the wordsproximal, distal, anterior, posterior, medial, lateral, superior andinferior are defined by their standard usage for indicating a particularpart of a bone or implant according to the relative disposition of thenatural bone or directional terms of reference. For example, “proximal”means the portion of an implant farthest from the insertion end, while“distal” indicates the portion of the implant nearest the insertion end.As for directional terms, “anterior” is a direction towards the frontside of the body, “posterior” means a direction towards the back side ofthe body, “medial” means towards the midline of the body, “lateral” is adirection towards the sides or away from the midline of the body,“superior” means a direction above and “inferior” means a directionbelow another object or structure.

As depicted in FIGS. 1-7 and 19, a bone fixation device or bone fusiondevice 100 includes a first member 110 and a second member 130. The bonefixation device 100 may also include at least one spring member 160 anda ring member 170. The second member 130 may be sized and shaped to fitinto the first member 100 with, for example, the at least one springmember 160 and the ring member 170 positioned between the first member110 and second member 130. The at least one spring member 160 may alsobe positioned, for example, inside an opening 136 of the second member130. The first member 110 may be positioned, for example, at a proximalend 102 of the bone fixation device 100, while the second member 130 maybe positioned, for example, at a distal end 104 of the bone fixationdevice 100. The bone fixation device 100 may be, for example, a screw,intramedullary rod, spinal rod, bone plate, and the like for joiningtogether, compressing or pressing together at least two bones or piecesof bone or alternatively for expanding or distracting at least two bonesor pieces of bone. Intramedullary rods may be used, for example, duringthe compression or expansion across long bone fractures, as described ingreater detail below with reference to FIGS. 22-30. The spinal rods maybe used, for example, during the compression or distraction of a segmentof the spinal column for stabilization of a spine, as described ingreater detail below with reference to FIGS. 31-39. In addition, boneplates may be used, for example, during the compression or expansionacross bone fractures or spinal fusions, such as, cervical plating, asdescribed in greater detail below with reference to FIGS. 40-48.

The first member 110, also shown in FIGS. 12-15, may be, for example, afemale member. The first member 110 may include a first end 112 and asecond end 114 opposite the first end 112. The terms “first end” and“proximal end” may be used interchangeably herein and the terms “secondend” and “distal end” may be used interchangeably herein as theyessentially refer to the same ends. The first member 110 may have anopening 116 extending from the first end 112 to the second end 114 alongthe longitudinal axis of the first member 110. The opening 116 may forman interior surface 118. The opening 116 of the first member 110 mayalso include a groove 120 positioned near the second end 114. The terms“groove,” “slot” or “member groove” may be used interchangeably hereinas they essentially refer to the same indentation. The groove 120 may becut into the wall of the first member 110 and extend from the opening116 into the first member 110 toward the exterior surface 124 of thefirst member 110. The interior surface 118 may be, for example, arelatively hexagonal or polygonal shape from the first end 112 to thegroove 120. The opening 116 may also include at least one channel orslot 122 inset into the interior surface 118 and extending from thefirst end 112 toward the second end 114 and stopping when the channels122 extend into the groove 120. The at least one channel 122 may receivethe at least one spring member 160. The bone fixation device 100 mayinclude, for example, at least three channels 122 and at least threespring members 160, as shown in FIGS. 4, 7, 12-14. The at least threechannels 122 may be positioned radially around the opening 116 toprovide circumferential forces to facilitate equal compressive loads.For example, where the interior surface 118 is relatively hexagonallyshaped, the channels 122 may be positioned on every other portion of theinterior surface 118, for example, on the first, third, and fifthsurfaces and the second, fourth, and sixth surfaces may be generallyplanar. The shape of the interior surface may also be, for example,relatively octagonal or another polygonal shape with an even number ofsides.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1-7, 12-15, and 19, the exteriorsurface 124 of the first member 110 may be, for example, generallycylindrical. The exterior surface 124 may include a threaded portion orthreaded end 126 and a protrusion or extension 128. The protrusion 128may extend away from the exterior surface 124 near the first end 112 toform an engagement portion for coupling to an insertion tool orresorbable member for insertion into a patient. The protrusion 128 maybe configured, for example, as a tapered surface that extends down tothe exterior surface 124 to form rounded edges on the protrusion 128.The threaded portion 126 may be positioned, for example, toward themiddle of the bone fixation device 100 between the protrusion 128 andthe second end 114 of the first member 110. The threaded portion 126 mayextend only along a portion of the exterior surface 124 from theprotrusion 128 to the second end 114 or alternatively, the threadedportion 126 may extend from the protrusion 128 to the second end 114 ofthe first member 110.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 and with continued reference to FIGS. 1-7and 19, the second member 130 may have a first end 132 and a second end134 opposite the first end 132. The terms “first end” and “proximal end”may be used interchangeably herein and the terms “second end” and“distal end” may also be used interchangeably herein as the generallyrefer to the same end. The second member 130 may be, for example, a malemember. The second member 130 may include a cannulation or channel 136extending from the first end 132 to the second end 134 through thegenerally central portion of the second member 130 along thelongitudinal axis of the second member 130. The cannulation 136 may besized to receive a guide wire, guide pin, or the like to facilitateplacement in vivo. It is also contemplated that the channel 136 mayreceive, for example, the at least one spring member 160. The secondmember 130 may also have an exterior surface 138. The exterior surface138 of the second member 130 may include a threaded region or threadedend 140 positioned near the second end 134 and a shaft region 142extending from the threaded region 140 to the first end 132. Thethreaded region 140 of the second member 130 may have, for example, asmaller diameter than the threaded portion 126 of the first member 110.Alternatively, the threaded region 140 of the second member 130 may havethe same diameter as the threaded portion 126 of the first member. Inaddition, the threaded ends 126, 140 may have, for example, the samethreads or different threads. The threads may be selected based on thetype and condition of the bone they are being inserted into to ensurethe threaded ends 126, 140 grip onto the bones or bone pieces whiletranslation of the bones is occurring.

As shown in FIGS. 8-11, the shaft region 142 may include, for example, afirst portion 148 with a generally cylindrical shape and a secondportion 150 with a relatively hexagonal or polygonal shape. The secondportion 150 may extend from the first end 132 of the second member 130toward the threaded region 140 and the first portion 148 may bepositioned between the threaded region 140 and the second portion 150.The second portion 150 may also include at least one depression orgroove 144 near the first end 132 of the second member 130. The at leastone depression 144 may include, for example, three depressionspositioned radially around the exterior surface of the shaft region 142.Where the second portion 150 of the shaft region 142 has, for example, apolygonal shape with an even number of sides, such as, a hexagon,octagon, or the like, the depressions 144 may be positioned on everyother side of the polygonal shape. As shown in FIGS. 8-11, the secondportion 150 is generally hexagonal shaped and the depressions 144 arepositioned on every other side of the exterior surface 138 to enableinsertion of the ring member 170. The second portion 150 may alsoinclude at least one channel or slot 146 extending from the at least onedepression 144 toward the first portion 148. The at least one channel146 may be inset into the exterior surface 138. The at least one channel146 may receive the at least one spring member 160.

The bone fixation device 100 may include, for example, any number ofchannels 146 and any number of spring members 160, such as one to twelvechannels 146 and one to twelve spring members 160. In one embodiment, asshown in FIGS. 4 and 7-9, the bone fixation device 100 may include, forexample, at least three channels 146 and at least three spring members160. The at least three channels 146 may also be positioned radiallyaround the second portion 150 of the exterior surface 138. The exteriorsurface 138 of the second portion 150 of the shaft region 142 may have ashape corresponding to the shape of the opening 116 in the first member110. For example, where the exterior surface 138 of the second portion150 of the shaft region 142 has a relatively hexagonally shape, thechannels 146 may be positioned on every other portion of the exteriorsurface 138, for example, on the first, third, and fifth surfaces andthe second, fourth, and sixth surfaces may be generally planar. Theshape of the exterior surface may also be, for example, relativelyoctagonal or another polygonal shape with any number of sides. Theexterior surface may have any shape with an even or odd number of sidesand a spring channel may be located in one or more of the sides of theexterior surface. At least one spring 160 will be positioned in the atleast one spring channel 146.

The at least one spring member 160 may be, for example, three springmembers 160 as shown in FIGS. 4, 7-9, and 19. The terms “at least onespring member,” “at least one deformable member,” and “at least oneelastic element” may be used interchangeably herein as the essentiallyrefer to the same members. The bone fixation device 100 may have, forexample, at least three spring members 160 that are positioned betweenat least three channels 122 of the first member 110 and at least threechannels 146 of the second member 130 when the second member 130 isinserted into the first member 110. The at least three spring members160 may be, for example, three single springs or three sets of at leasttwo springs. It is also contemplated that any number of springs orelastic elements, such as solid elastic polymers, nitinol members, orthe like, may be used to make up the at least one spring member 160based on the desired compressive properties of the spring members. Thespring members 160 may be, for example, spiral spring members, straightspring members, or any deformable members to allow for the compressionand/or distraction of the deformable member and then the transition ofthe deformable member back to a relaxed state. In one embodiment, thedeformable member 160 may be a straight spring with a tab at a first endand a tab at a second end for engaging the first and second members 110,130 of the bone fixation device 100 and a deformable member extendingbetween the first and second tabs. The straight spring may be made of,for example, a deformable material, such as, nitinol. It is alsocontemplated that one spring member 160 may be used and the one springmember 160 may be positioned within the opening 136 of the second member130.

Referring now to FIGS. 16-18, the ring member 170 is shown. The terms“ring member,” “member,” “ring,” “locking member,” and “fastener” may beused interchangeably herein as they refer to the same structure. Themember 170 may include a body 172. The body 172 may have, for example, agenerally cylindrical or C shape and may include an open portion toenable the member 170 to be inserted onto the shaft region 142 of thesecond member 130. The member 170 may also include at least oneprotrusion or tab 174 extending out from an interior surface of the body172. The at least one protrusion 174 may be sized and shaped tocorrespond to the size and shape of the at least one channel 146 of thesecond member 130. In the depicted embodiment of FIGS. 16-18, the member170 includes, for example, three protrusions 174. It is alsocontemplated that the member 170 may be replaced with, for example, acrimp, set screws, or the like which couples the first member 110 to thesecond member 130 and provides a base for engagement with the at leastone spring member 160.

Further, although not shown, one spring member 160 may be used andpositioned in channel 136, the ring member 170 will be configured toengage the spring member 160 inside the channel 136. For example, thering member 170 may be positioned on the exterior surface 138 of thesecond member 130 and extend transversely through at least a portion ofthe channel 136 to provide a base for the spring member 160 to exertforce on during compression and expansion. The ring member 170 mayextend through an opening, for example, at least one of channels 146 maybe open to the channel 136. The ring member 170 may extend transverselythrough the entire channel 136 and out the side opposite where itentered the exterior surface 138 of the shaft region 142 or onlypartially through the channel 136. The ring member 170 will extendtransversely through the channel 136 far enough to provide a base forthe entire or a sufficient portion of the spring to engage duringcompression and expansion to move the first and second members 110, 130relative to each other.

The bone fixation device 100 may also include a locking mechanism (notshown) to prevent the first member 110 and second member 130 fromlengthening after compression of the bone fixation device 100 iscompleted. The locking mechanism (not shown) may be, for example, aratchet mechanism or an alternative mechanism which allows the bonefixation device 100 to lengthen when engaged with the insertion tool orresorbable member and then to shorten after removal of the insertiontool or break down of the resorbable member, but prevents the bonefixation device 100 from lengthening again after removal of theinsertion tool (not shown) or break down of the resorbable member (notshown). After the bone fixation device 100 shortens, the lockingmechanism may, for example, engage the first member 110 and secondmember 130 to prevent the bone fixation device 100 from lengtheningagain when external forces are applied on the bones or bone pieces afterinsertion of the device 100 into the patient.

By way of specific example, the bone fixation device 100 may be a screw.The screw 100 may be a 5.5 mm screw for example, with the opening 116 ofthe first member 110 having, for example, a width at the first end 112of approximately 2.5 mm to 3.5 mm and a diameter at the second end 114of approximately 4 mm to 5 mm and the shaft region 142 of the secondmember 130 having, for example, an outer diameter of approximately 2.5mm to 3.5 mm.

In an alternative embodiment of the bone fixation device 100, the ringmember 170 may be removed and at least a portion of the end of thesecond end 114 of the first member 110 may be crimped or folded over toengage the at least one channel 146 and at least one spring member 160.The second end 114 may be, for example, crimped or folded over at thepositions corresponding to or aligning with the position of the channels146 and spring members 160 or alternatively, around the entirecircumference of the first member 110.

A method of assembling a bone fixation device 100 is shown in FIG. 20.The method may include, for example, obtaining a first member, a secondmember, a ring member, and at least one spring member 200. The methodmay also include, for example, sliding the ring member onto the secondmember 210 and inserting a portion of the second member into the firstmember 220. Further, the method may include, for example, positioningthe at least one spring member between the first member and the secondmember 230 and sliding the second member into the first member to engagethe ring member 240.

The method of assembling a bone fixation device 100 is described ingreater detail below with reference to FIGS. 4, 8-11, and 19. The methodincludes obtaining the first member 110, a second member 130, a ringmember 170, and at least one spring member 160. The at least one springmember 160 may be, for example, three spring members 160 as shown inFIG. 19. Next the ring member 170 may be inserted onto the shaft region142 of the second member 130, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. The ring member170 may be inserted by aligning, for example, two end protrusions of theat least one protrusion 174 with the depressions 144 on shaft region142. Then, the ring member 170 may be slid to align with the at leastone protrusion 174 with the at least one channel 146 of the secondmember 130. Once the at least one protrusion 174 of the member 170 isaligned with the at least one channel 146, the member 170 may betranslated from the first end 132 distally toward the second end 134 ofthe second member 130 until the at least one protrusion 172 reaches thebottom of the at least one channel 146. Next, the tip of the first end132 of the second member 130 may be inserted into the opening 116 of thefirst member 110. The first and second members 110, 130 may overlap by,for example, overlapping the first member 110 over the first end 132 ofthe second member 130 down to approximately the depressions 144. Then,the at least one spring member 160 may be positioned in the at least onechannel 146 of the second member 130. It is also contemplated that theat least one spring member 160 may be positioned within the at least onechannel 146 of the second member 130. The first member 110 may then beslid over the second member 130, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. Once the atleast one spring member 160 is positioned within the at least onechannel 146, the second member 130 may be fully inserted into the firstmember 110 until the ring member 170 engages the groove 120 in theopening 116 of the first member 110, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 7.

Referring now to FIG. 21, a method for using the bone fixation device100 is illustrated. The method may include, for example, obtaining abone fixation device 300 and an insertion tool 310. The method may alsoinclude, for example, inserting a portion of the first member into theinsertion tool 320 and moving the second member as the insertion toolengages the first member 330. Finally, the method may further includeinserting the bone fixation device into at least one bone 340 andremoving the insertion tool from the bone fixation device 350.

The method for using the bone fixation device 100 is described ingreater detail below with reference to FIGS. 1-9. The bone fixationdevice 100 may be inserted into a patient by first optionally insertinga guide wire (not shown) into the position where bone correction isdesired. The proper position may be confirmed using imaging, forexample, x-ray to ensure the guide wire is properly positioned. Thelength of the bone fixation device 100 may be confirmed or determined.The bone fixation device 100, such as shown in FIGS. 1-4, may then beobtained. In addition, an insertion tool (not shown) may be obtained andmoved to engage the bone fixation device 100.

The bone fixation device 100 is engaged by positioning the insertiontool (not shown) over the protrusion 128 on the first end 112 of thefirst member 110. An exterior portion of the insertion tool surroundsthe protrusion 128 of the first member 110 for insertion into a patient.As the insertion tool engages the first member 110 at the proximal end102 of the bone fixation device 100, the insertion tool also includes aninterior contacting member that extends out from the center of theexterior portion of the insertion tool and engages the first end 132 ofthe second member 130. The interior contacting member of the insertiontool engages the first end 132 to translate the second end 134 of thesecond member 130 away from the first end 112 of the first member 110.As the second member 130 is moved away, the ring member 170 which iscoupled to the first member 110 slides along the at least one channel146 of the second member 130. The ring member 170 slides from a positionnear the first portion 148 of the shaft 142 towards the first end 132 ofthe second member 130. As the ring member 170 slides towards the firstend 132, the protrusions 174 of the member 170 contact the end of the atleast one spring member 160. The at least one spring member 160 is thencompressed between the at least one protrusion 174 of the ring member170 and the first end of the at least one channel 122 of the firstmember 110 and the top of the depressions 144 of the second member 130as the ring member 170 moves towards the first end 132 of the secondmember 130. As the ring member 170 moves along the at least one channel146 and compresses the at least one spring member 160, the threaded ends126 and 140 move in opposite directions thereby lengthening the bonefixation device 100, as shown in FIGS. 5-7 and 9, to an uncompressedposition. Since the ring member 170 is coupled to the first member 110and the insertion tool is coupled to the first member 110, the secondmember 130 is able to translate away from the first member 110 as theinsertion tool engages the second member 130. Once the at least onespring member 160 is fully compressed the at least one spring member 160acts as an extension stop by preventing the device 100 from extendingany further.

Next, the distal end 104 of the bone fixation device 100 is insertedinto the patient over the guide wire. The position of the bone fixationdevice 100 may then be checked to confirm proper positioning and length.

The insertion tool (not shown) may then be removed from the first member110. As the insertion tool is removed, active compression is initiatedon the bones or bone pieces that the bone fixation device 100 is engagedto and the bone fixation device 100 begins to move back to the shortenedcompressed position, as shown in FIGS. 1-4. The active compressionresults from the at least one spring member 160 extending back to itsuncompressed position and exerting a force on the ring member 170. Asthe force is exerted on the ring member 170 by the at least one springmember 160, the ring member 170 translates toward the second end 134 ofthe second member 130 along the at least one channel 146. Since the ringmember 170 is coupled to the groove 120 in the first member 110, thering member 170 will translate towards the second end 134 of the secondmember 130 resulting in the first member 110 being pulled toward thedistal end 104 of the bone fixation device 100 and causing the bones orbone portions engaged by the first member 110 and second member 130 tobe compressed together.

The bone fixation device 100 shortens as the at least one spring member160 expands back to a resting position. The at least one spring member160 may allow the bone fixation device 100 to shorten, for example, morethan approximately ten percent of the length of the bone fixation device100. The bone fixation device 100 may, for example, allow for highforces, such as approximately 0.5 lbs to 5 lbs, to be applied over thedistance of approximately 3 mm. In addition, the bone fixation devicemay allow for compression forces to be the strongest at full extensionand then decrease as the bone fixation device 100 shortens. Thereby,providing an initially high load compression to enhance healing of thebones or bone pieces and then as healing of the bones or bone piecesoccurs, the compression load decreases.

An alternative use for the bone fixation device 100, i.e., lengtheningof bones, is described below. It is also contemplated that analternative tool may be used to shorten the bone fixation device 100before insertion into a patient to allow for lengthening of the bonesafter insertion. For example, the insertion tool (not shown) wouldengage the protrusion 128 on the first end 112 of the first member 110and also engage the first end 132 of the second member 130. The toolwill pull the first end 132 of the second member 130 proximally toshorten the device 100. As the tool engages the device 100 and pulls thefirst end 132 of the second member 130 proximally, the proximal edge ofthe first portion 148 of the second member 130 engages the ring member170 and slides the ring member 170 along the at least one channel 146toward the first end 112 of the first member 110. As the ring member 170slides along the at least one channel 146, the ring member 170 engagesthe at least one spring member 160 and compresses the at least onespring member 160 between the at least one protrusion 174 of the ringmember 170 and the first end of the at least one channel 122 of thefirst member 110 and the top of the depressions 144 of the second member130. Once the device 100 is shortened to the desired length, it may beinserted into a patient. The device 100 may also optionally be insertedover a guide wire.

Next, the insertion tool may be removed from the bone fixation device100. Once the tool is removed, the at least one spring member 160 mayexert a force on the ring member 170 which will in turn exert a force onthe edge of the first portion 148 of the second member 130 to move thesecond member 130 away from the first member 110 of the bone fixationdevice 100. As the at least one spring member 160 returns to its'resting, uncompressed state, the bone fixation device 100 lengthens. Asthe bone fixation device 100 lengthens and moves the first member 110and second member 130 away from each other, the bones or bone segmentsthat are coupled to the first member 110 and second member 130 areseparated. The bone fixation device 100 may be used to provide adistraction force across a joint, fracture site, or osteotomy site.

Alternatively, if a resorbable member (not shown) is used, afterplacement of the bone fixation device 100 the patient's incision may beclosed. If a resorbable member is used, the insertion tool would notneed to include a lengthening or shortening mechanism. The resorbablemember will hold the bone fixation device 100 in the desired extended orshortened position until the resorbable member starts to break down. Asthe resorbable member breaks down or erodes over time from exposure tothe in vivo environment inside of the patient, the at least onedeformable member 160 may be released and exert force on the members110, 130 to lengthen or shorten the device 100, as described in greaterdetail above. The resorbable member may be, for example, a cross pin,pawl, or the like which locks the device 100 in the desired extended orshortened position until the resorbable member erodes.

Where the bone fixation device 100 is used to facilitate bonedistraction, the bone fixation device 100 may also include a lockingmechanism (not shown). The locking mechanism allows for the secondmember 130 to be pulled proximally toward the first member 110. Thesecond member 130 will then move away from the first member 110 once theinsertion tool is removed or resorbable member breaks down from the bonefixation device 100. In addition, once the insertion tool is removed orresorbable member breaks down and the second member 130 beginstranslating away, the locking mechanism will prevent the second member130 from again translating towards the first member 110. The lockingmechanism may be, for example, a ratcheting mechanism that engages thefirst member 110 and second member 130 to prevent the shortening of thebone fixation device 100 when the device 100 is implanted and theinsertion tool removed or resorbable member breaks down.

FIGS. 22-24 and 31 depict another embodiment of a bone fixation deviceor bone fusion device 400. The bone fixation device 400 may be, forexample, an intramedullary rod for insertion into a medullary cavity ofa bone. The device 400 may include a first member 410, a second member430, at least one spring member 160, and a ring member 170. The secondmember 430 may be dimensioned to fit into the first member 410 and theat least one spring member 160 and the ring member 170 may be, forexample, positioned between the first member 410 and second member 430.

The first member 410, as shown in FIGS. 22-24 and 27-31, may include afirst end 412 and a second end 414 opposite the first end 412. The firstmember 410 may also have an opening 416 extending from the first end 412to the second end 414 along the longitudinal axis of the first member410. The opening 416 may form an interior surface 418 which includes agroove 420 positioned near the second end 414 of the first member 410.The groove 420 may extend into the first member 410 from an interiorsurface 418 toward the exterior surface 424 of the first member 410. Theinterior surface 418 of the first member 410 may have, for example, arelatively hexagonal, octagonal, or other polygonal shape from the firstend 412 to the groove 420. In addition, the opening 416 may include atleast one channel or slot 422 inset into the interior surface 418 andextending from the first end 412 toward the second end 414 andterminating when the channels 422 extend into the groove 420. The firstmember 410 may be, for example, a female member. The device 400 mayinclude, for example, at least three channels 422 which may receive atleast three spring members 160, as shown in FIG. 24. The at least threechannels 422 may be positioned radially around the opening 416 asdescribed in greater detail above with reference to channels 122 andopening 116, which will not be described again here for brevity sake.

With continued reference to FIGS. 22-24 and 27-31, the exterior surface424 of the first member 410 may be, for example, generally cylindrical.The exterior surface 424 may include at least one through hole 426 forfixing the rod 400 to a first portion of a patient's bone. In thedepicted embodiment, the at least one through hole 426 may be, forexample, two through holes 426. Alternative numbers of holes 426 arealso contemplated to secure the rod 400 to a patient's bone and thenumber of holes 426 may correlate to the length of the bone being fused.

The second member 430, as shown in FIGS. 22-26, may have a first end 432and a second end 434 opposite the first end 432. The second member 430may include a cannulation or channel 436 extending from the first end432 to the second end 434 along the longitudinal axis of the secondmember 430 and through the generally central portion of the secondmember 430. The cannulation 436 may be sized to receive a guide wire,guide pin, or the like to facilitate placement in vivo. The secondmember 430 may also include at least one through hole 442 near thesecond end 434 for fixing the rod 400 to a second portion of a patient'sbone. In the depicted embodiment, the at least one through hole 442 maybe, for example, two through holes 442.

As shown in FIGS. 24-26, the second member 430 may also have an exteriorsurface 438 with a coupling portion 440 positioned near the first end432 for connecting the second member 430 to the first member 410. Theexterior surface 438 positioned distal to the coupling portion 440 mayhave a generally cylindrical shape, while the coupling portion 440 mayhave a relatively polygonal shape. The coupling portion 440 may alsoinclude at least one depression or groove 444 near the first end 432 ofthe second member 430. The at least one depression 444 may be, forexample, three depressions 444 positioned radially around the exteriorsurface 438 of the coupling portion 440. For example, if the couplingportion 440 has a polygonal shape with an even number of sides, thedepressions 444 may be positioned on every other side of the polygonalshape. The at least one depression 444 is positioned around the couplingportion 440 so that the ring member 170 may be inserted onto the secondmember 430. The coupling portion 440 may also include at least onechannel or slot 446 extending from the at least one depression 444toward the second end 434. The at least one channel 446 may be insetinto the exterior surface 438 and may be sized to receive the at leastone spring member 160. The bone fixation device 400 may include, forexample, any number of channels 446 and any number of spring members160, which may be one to twelve channels 446 and one to twelve springmembers 160. In one embodiment, the channels 446 and spring members 160may be, for example, three channels 446 and at least three springmembers 160, as shown in FIGS. 24 and 25. The channels 446 may bepositioned radially around the coupling portion 440. It is alsocontemplated that in an alternative embodiment, the channel 436 mayreceive, for example, the at least one spring member 160. The couplingportion 440 may be sized to fit within the opening 416 of the firstmember 410. In addition, the shape of the coupling portion 440 maycorrespond to the shape of the opening 416 in the first member 410. Thesecond member 430 may be, for example, a male member.

The at least one spring member 160 may be positioned between the atleast one channel 422 of the first member 410 and the at least onechannel 446 of the second member 430 when the second member 430 isinserted into the first member 410. The at least one spring member 160is as described above with reference to FIGS. 4, 7-9, and 19, which willnot be described again here for brevity sake.

As shown in FIGS. 24, 25, and 31, the ring member 170 may be of the typedescribed above with reference to FIGS. 16-18, which will not bedescribed again here for brevity sake. The ring member 170 may beinserted by sliding the at least one protrusion 174 into the at leastone depression 444 of the second member 430 until the at least oneprotrusion 174 aligns with the at least one channel 446. Once at leastone protrusion 174 is aligned with the at least one channel 446, thering member 170 may be translated toward the distal end of the at leastone channel 446. After the ring member 170 is positioned at the distalend of the at least one channel 446, the at least one spring 160 may beinserted into the channel 446 and the coupling portion 440 may beinserted into the opening 416 in the first member 410. When the couplingportion 440 is inserted into the opening 416, the at least one spring160 slides into the at least one channel 422 of the first member 410.Alternatively, it is contemplated that one spring member 160 may be usedand positioned in channel 436. If the spring member 160 is positioned inthe channel 436, the ring member 170 will be configured to engage thespring member 160 inside the channel 436. The alternative embodiment isdescribed in greater detail above with respect to bone fixation device100 and will not be described again here for brevity. The couplingportion 440 may be inserted into the first member 410 until the ringmember 170 engages the groove 420 in the first member 410 to secure thefirst member 410 and the second member 430 together.

The bone fixation device 400 may also include a locking mechanism (notshown) to prevent the first member 410 and the second member 430 fromlengthening after compression is complete or from shortening afterdistraction is completed. The locking mechanism may be of the typedescribed above in greater detail with respect to device 100 and whichwill not be described again here for brevity sake.

By way of specific example, the bone fixation device 400 is anintramedullary rod. The intramedullary rod may be, for example,approximately 240 mm to 420 mm with a first member 410 with a diameterof, for example, approximately 12 mm to 17 mm and a second member 430with a diameter of, for example, approximately 9 mm to 14 mm.

The method of assembling a bone fixation device as shown in FIG. 20 anddescribed in greater detail above may also be used to assemble the bonefixation device 400.

The bone fixation device 400 may be inserted into a patient using themethod of FIG. 21. The method is described in greater detail withrespect to device 400 and may include, for example, obtaining anassembled bone fixation device 400 and insertion tool (not shown). Themethod may also include, for example, inserting a portion of the firstmember 410 into the insertion tool (not shown) and moving the secondmember 430 as the insertion tool engages the first member 410 to, forexample, lengthen the device 400 if compression of the bone is desired.As the device 400 is lengthened the at least one spring member 160 willbe compressed by the ring member 170. The insertion tool may engage thedevice 400 in a manner similar to how the insertion tool engages thedevice 100 as described above in greater detail and which will not bedescribed again here for brevity sake. Next, the method may includeinserting the bone fixation device 400 into, for example, the medullarycavity of a long bone.

The device 400 may be inserted into the medullary cavity by firstaccessing the patient's bone by, for example, making an incision toreach the patient's bone. Then, a guide wire (not shown) may optionallybe inserted into the position where bone correction is desired. Theposition of the guide wire may be checked using imaging, for example, anx-ray to ensure the guide wire is properly positioned. The guide wiremay then be used to determine or confirm the length of theintramedullary rod 400 that is needed for insertion into the bone. Adrill, reamer, or the like may then be inserted over the guide wire tocreate a larger opening in the bone to access the medullary cavity. Oncethe larger opening is formed, the drill or reamer may be removed and thebone fixation device 400 with the coupled insertion tool may be insertedinto the medullary cavity through the larger opening. The device 400 maybe inserted over the guide wire, or optionally, the guide wire may beremoved prior to insertion of the device 400. If necessary, the device400 may be hammered into the medullary cavity across the fracture. Oncethe rod 400 reaches the desired position, at least one fastener (notshown), such as, a bone screw, locking bone screw, or the like, may beinserted into the through holes 426 to secure the first member 410 to afirst portion of the bone. Next, at least one fastener (not shown), suchas, a bone screw, locking bone screw, or the like, may be inserted intothe through holes 442 to secure the second member 430 to a secondportion of the bone.

Following the insertion of the fasteners to secure the first and secondmembers 410, 430 to the bone, the insertion tool may be removed from thefirst member 410 of the rod 400. After the insertion tool is removed,the device 400 may exert active compression on the bones secured to thedevice 400. As active compression occurs, the bone fixation device 400begins to move back to a shortened compressed position, as shown inFIGS. 22 and 23. The active compression of the rod 400 results from theat least one spring member 160 extending back to its uncompressedposition which in turn exerts a force on the ring member 170 to move ittoward the distal end of the at least one channel 446. As the ringmember 170 translates down the channel 446, the first member 410 ispulled toward the second end 434 of the second member 430 and the bonesengaged by the first and second members 410, 430 are compressedtogether. Finally, the incisions in the patient may be closed. Theintramedullary rod 400 may, for example, create an activecircumferential compression to the fracture site transferring the axialload to the bone and reducing the function of the rod 400 as a loadbearing device. Thus, use of the rod 400 may enhance healing of thebone.

It is also contemplated that the bone fixation device 400 mayalternatively be used for distraction of a fractured bone after theinsertion, by shortening the device 400 prior to insertion into apatient, as described above in greater detail with regards to bonefixation device 100 and which will not be described again here forbrevity sake.

Further, it is contemplated that a resorbable member (not shown) may beused instead of the insertion tool to shorten or lengthen the device 400for insertion into the patient. Therefore, when a resorbable member isused, the insertion tool could be any driver or holder that could insertthe device 400 into the patient. When a resorbable member is used, oncethe bone fixation device 400 is placed in the patient, the patient'sincision may be closed. The resorbable member will hold the bonefixation device 400 in the desired extended or shortened position untilthe resorbable member starts to break down or erode. As the resorbablemember breaks down over time from exposure to the in vivo environmentinside of the patient, the at least one deformable member 160 may bereleased and exert force on the members 410, 430 to lengthen or shortenthe device 400, as described in greater detail above. The resorbablemember may be, for example, a cross pin, pawl, or the like which locksthe device 400 in the desired extended or shortened position until theresorbable member erodes.

Another alternative embodiment fixation or fusion device 500 is shown inFIGS. 32-33 and 41. The fixation device 500 may be, for example, aspinal rod for use with, for example, a pedicle screw system or otherspinal correction system which uses rods. The device 500 may include afirst member 510, a second member 530, at least one spring member 160,and a ring member 170. The second member 530 may be sized to fit into atleast a portion of the first member 510 and the at least one springmember 160 and ring member 170 may be, for example, positioned betweenthe first member 510 and second member 530. The at least one springmember 160 and ring member 170 may be of the types described in greaterdetail above with reference to device 100 and which will not bedescribed again here in detail for brevity sake.

As shown in FIGS. 32-34 and 37-41, the first member 510 may include afirst end 512 and a second end 514 opposite the first end 512. The firstmember 510 may also include a first coupling portion 524 and secondportion 526. The first coupling portion 524 and second portion 526 maybe, for example, generally cylindrical and the first coupling portion524 may have, for example, a diameter that is larger than or the samesize as the second portion 526. The second portion 526 may be, forexample, a solid rod, while the first coupling portion 524 includes anopening 516. The opening 516 may extend into the coupling portion 524 ofthe first member 510 from the second end 514. The opening 516 may extendalong a portion of the longitudinal axis of the first member 510 fromthe second end 514 toward the first end 512. For example, the opening516 may extend only within the coupling portion 524 of the first member510. The opening 516 may form an interior surface 518 within the firstmember 510. The interior surface 518 may include a groove 520 positionednear the second end 514 of the first member 510. The groove 520 mayextend into the first member 510 from the interior surface 518 towardthe exterior surface of the coupling portion 524 of the first member510. The interior surface 518 of the first member 510 may have, forexample, a relatively hexagonal or other polygonal shape starting afterthe groove 520 and extending toward the first end 512. The opening 516may further include at least one channel or slot 522 inset into theinterior surface 518 and extending from the groove 520 toward the firstend 512 of the first member 510.

The first member 510 may be, for example, a female member. The device500 may include, for example, any number of channels 522 and any numberof spring members 160, such as one to twelve channels 522 and one totwelve spring members 160. In one embodiment, the at least one channel522 and the at least one spring member 160 may be, for example, at leastthree channels 522 which may receive at least three spring members 160,as shown in FIGS. 33, 38 and 39. The at least three channels 522 may bepositioned radially around the opening 516 as described in greaterdetail above with reference to channels 122 and opening 116, which willnot be described again here for brevity sake.

The second member 530, as shown in FIGS. 32-36, may have a first end 532and a second end 534 opposite the first end 532. The second member 530may also have a coupling portion 540 positioned near the first end 532for connecting the second member 530 to the first member 510 and asecond portion 542 extending from the coupling portion 540 to the secondend 534. The second portion 542 may have, for example, an exteriorsurface 538 with a generally cylindrical shape. The second portion 542may have a diameter, for example, that is approximately the same as thediameter of the second portion 526. The width of the coupling portion540 may be, for example, slightly smaller than the diameter of thesecond portion 542. The coupling portion 540, however, may have arelatively polygonal shape and may also include at least one depressionor groove 544 near the first end 532 of the second member 530. The atleast one depression 544 may be three depressions 544 positionedradially around the coupling portion 540. For example, if the couplingportion 540 has a polygonal shape with an even number of sides, thedepressions 544 may be positioned on every other side of the polygonalshape. The at least one depression 544 is positioned around the couplingportion 540 such that the ring member 170 may be inserted onto thesecond member 530. The coupling portion 540 may also include at leastone channel or slot 546 extending from the at least one depression 544toward the second end 534 of the second member 530. The at least onechannel 546 may be inset into the surface of the coupling portion 540and may be sized to receive the at least one spring member 160. Thefixation device 500 may also include, for example, any number ofchannels 546 and any number of spring members 160, such as one to twelvechannels 546 and one to twelve spring members 160. In one embodiment,the at least one channel 546 and the at least one spring member 160 maybe, for example, three channels 546 and at least three spring members160, as shown in FIGS. 33 and 35. The channels 546 may be positionedradially around the coupling portion 540. It is also contemplated thatin an alternative embodiment, the channel 536 may receive the at leastone spring member 160. The coupling portion 540 may be sized to fitwithin the opening 516 of the first member 510. In addition, the shapeof the coupling portion 540 may correspond to the shape of the opening516 in the first member 510. The second member 530 may be, for example,a male member.

The at least one spring member 160 may be positioned between the atleast one channel 522 of the first member 510 and the at least onechannel 546 of the second member 530 when the second member 530 isinserted into the first member 510. The at least one spring member 160is as described above with reference to FIGS. 4, 7-9, and 19, which willnot be described again here for brevity sake.

As shown in FIGS. 33, 35, and 41, the ring member 170 may be of the typedescribed above with reference to FIGS. 16-18, which will not bedescribed again here for brevity sake. The ring member 170 may beinserted by sliding the at least one protrusion 174 into the at leastone depression 544 of the second member 530 until the at least oneprotrusion 174 aligns with the at least one channel 546. Once at leastone protrusion 174 is aligned with the at least one channel 546, thering member 170 may be translated toward the distal end of the at leastone channel 546. After the ring member 170 is positioned at the distalend of the at least one channel 546, the at least one spring 160 may beinserted into the channel 546 and the coupling portion 540 may beinserted into the opening 516 in the first member 510. When the couplingportion 540 is inserted into the opening 516, the at least one spring160 slides into the at least one channel 522 of the first member 510.Alternatively, it is contemplated that one spring member 160 may be usedand positioned in channel 536. If the spring member 160 is positioned inthe channel 536, the ring member 170 will be configured to engage thespring member 160 inside the channel 536. The alternative embodiment ofthe spring member 160 and ring member 170 configuration is described ingreater detail above with respect to bone fixation device 100 and willnot be described again here for brevity. The coupling portion 540 may beinserted into the first member 510 until the ring member 170 engages thegroove 520 in the first member 510 to secure the first member 510 andthe second member 530 together.

The fixation device 500 may also include a locking mechanism (not shown)to prevent the first member 510 and the second member 530 fromlengthening after compression is complete or from shortening afterdistraction is completed. The locking mechanism may be of the typedescribed above in greater detail with respect to device 100 and whichwill not be described again here for brevity sake.

By way of specific example, the fixation device 500 is a spinal rod. Thespinal rod may be a 5.5 nun rod which may be compressed between, forexample, approximately 2 mm and 8 mm, or distracted or lengthened, forexample, approximately 2 mm and 8 mm.

The method of assembling a bone fixation device as shown in FIG. 20 anddescribed in greater detail above may also be used to assemble thefixation device 500.

The fixation device 500 may be used with a spinal stabilization system,for example, a pedicle screw system. The fixation device 500 may be, forexample, spinal rods which may replace the rods currently used in spinalstabilization systems. In use a spinal stabilization procedure may beperformed as currently done using pedicle screws. Once the pediclescrews are in place in the vertebra along the patient's spine, then thespinal rods 500 may be inserted into the pedicle screws in place of thecurrently used rods. The spinal rods 500 could be inserted with aninsertion tool (not shown) which would hold the spinal rods 500 in thedesired position, for example, either lengthened or shortened, while thefirst member 510 is secured to a first pedicle screw and a second member530 is secured to a second pedicle screw.

Alternatively, the first member 510 of the spinal rods 500 could besecured to a first pedicle screw and then the second member 530translated either proximally or distally to shorten or lengthen the rod500. The spinal rods 500 would be lengthened or uncompressed ifcompression of the vertebra was desired. Alternatively, the spinal rods500 would be shortened or compressed if distraction or lengthening ofthe vertebra was desired. Once the desired position of the second member530 is achieved, the second member 530 is secured to the second pediclescrew.

The spinal rods 500 may be secured to the pedicle screws using afastener, for example, a set screw. Once the spinal rods 500 are securedto the pedicle screws, the insertion tool may be removed or the surgeonmay release the spinal rod 500 to allow for compression or distractionof the vertebra attached to the pedicle screws. When the spinal rods 500are released an axial load is applied across the segment of the spine tobe fused and a traction force is experienced between the two vertebralbodies.

As the axial load is applied, the device 500 begins to move back to ashortened compressed position or to a lengthened uncompressed position.The axial load of the rod 500 results from the at least one springmember 160 extending back to its uncompressed position which in turnexerts a force on the ring member 170 to move the second member 530relative to the first member 510. As the spring member 160 expands toits uncompressed position, the first member 510 is either pushed orpulled with respect to the second end 534 of the second member 530 andthe attached vertebra either distract or compress. Finally, theincisions in the patient may be closed.

It is contemplated that a resorbable member (not shown) may be usedinstead of the insertion tool to lengthen or shorten the device 500.When a resorbable member is used, after the device 500 is placed in thepatient with a standard driver and/or holder, the patient's incision maybe closed. The resorbable member will hold the device 500 in the desiredextended or shortened position until the resorbable member starts tobreak down or erode. As the resorbable member breaks down over time fromexposure to the in vivo environment inside of the patient, the at leastone deformable member 160 may be released and exert force on the members510, 530 to lengthen or shorten the device 500, as described in greaterdetail above. The resorbable member may be, for example, a cross pin,pawl, or the like which secures the device 500 in the desired extendedor shortened position until the resorbable member erodes.

Referring now to FIGS. 42-50, a plating device 600 with a first member610, a second member 630, and at least one spring 160 is shown. The atleast one spring 160 is as described above with reference to device 100,which will not be described again here for brevity sake. The firstmember 610, as shown in FIGS. 42-44 and 48-50, may include a first end612 and a second end 614 opposite the first end 612. The first member610 may also include an attachment portion 616 at the second end 614 anda coupling portion 618 at the first end 612. The first member 610 maybe, for example, generally T-shaped, although other shapes that providea first portion for attachment to a bone or vertebra and a secondportion for coupling to the second member 630 are also contemplated. Theattachment portion 616 may be a plate section with at least one opening620 for receiving a fastener, for example, a bone screw to secure thefirst member 610 to a bone or vertebra. In the depicted embodiment, thefirst member 610 includes two openings 620, although alternative numbersof openings 620 are also contemplated based on the size of the firstmember 610 and the bone or vertebra which the first member 610 will besecured to. As shown in FIG. 48, the coupling portion 618 may include afemale coupling member 622 extending along a first side of the couplingportion 618 and a male coupling member 626 extending along a second sideof the coupling portion 618 opposite the first side. The female couplingmember 622 may include a channel 624 extending from the first end 612 tothe attachment portion 616. The coupling portion 618 may also include atleast one groove 628 extending from a position near the first end 612 toa position near the attachment portion 616. The at least one groove 628may be sized to receive at least one spring member 160. The couplingportion 618 may include, for example, three grooves 628 for receivingthree springs 160.

The second member 630, as shown in FIGS. 42-47 and 50, may include afirst end 632 and a second end 634 opposite the first end 632. The firstmember 630 may also include an attachment portion 636 at the first end632 and a coupling portion 638 at the second end 634. The second member630 may be, for example, generally T-shaped, although other shapes thatprovide a first portion for attachment to a bone or vertebra and asecond portion for coupling to the first member 610 are alsocontemplated. The attachment portion 636 may be a plate section with atleast one opening 640 for receiving a fastener, for example, a bonescrew to secure the second member 630 to a bone or vertebra. In thedepicted embodiment, the second member 630 includes two openings 640,although alternative numbers of openings 640 are also contemplated basedon the size of the second member 630 and the bone or vertebra to whichthe second member 630 will be secured. The coupling portion 638 mayinclude a female coupling member 642 extending along a first side of thecoupling portion 638 and a male coupling member 646 extending along asecond side of the coupling portion 638 opposite the first side. Thefemale coupling member 642 may include a channel 644 extending from thesecond end 634 to the attachment portion 636. The coupling portion 638may also include at least one groove 648 extending from a position nearthe second end 634 to a position near the attachment portion 636. The atleast one groove 648 may be sized to receive at least one spring member160. The coupling portion 638 may include, for example, any number ofgrooves 648 and any number of springs 160, such as, one to twelvegrooves 648 for receiving one to twelve springs 160. As shown in thedepicted embodiments, the coupling portion 638 includes, for example,three grooves 648 for receiving three springs 160.

The plating device 600 may also include a locking mechanism orsecurement mechanism which engages the first member 610 and secondmember 630 to prevent the members 610, 630 for disengaging.

The plating device 600 may be assembled by aligning the female couplingmember 622 of the coupling portion 618 with the male coupling member 646of the coupling portion 638 and the male coupling member 626 of thecoupling portion 618 with the female coupling member 642 of the couplingportion 638. Once aligned the male coupling members 626, 646 may bepartially inserted into the female coupling members 642, 622,respectively. After the first member 610 is partially inserted into thesecond member 630, the at least one spring 160 may be inserted betweenthe at least one grooves 628, 648. The at least one spring 160 may needto be compressed to enable insertion between the at least one grooves628, 648. Next, the at least one spring 160 will uncompress and thedevice 600 will be positioned in a resting position until the device isimplanted into a patient.

The plating device 600 may be secures to bones or vertebra in a desiredposition to promote fusion of the bones or vertebra. The plating device600 may be inserted into a patient by first making an incision andpreparing the bone or vertebra site where fusion is needed. Next, theplating device 600 may be, for example, lengthened to compress the atleast one spring 160. The plating device 600 may be lengthened using aninsertion tool or by the surgeon pulling the first and second members610, 630 apart. Once the plating device 600 is lengthened it may beinserted over the bones or vertebra where fusion is desired. The firstmember 610 may be secured to a first bone or vertebra by inserting atleast one fastener, for example, a bone screw, through the at least oneopening 620. Then the second member 630 may be secured to a second boneor vertebra by inserting at least one fastener, for example, a bonescrew, through the at least one opening 640. After the first and secondmembers 610, 630 are secured to the first and second bones or vertebra,the plating device 600 may be released and the at least one spring 160will return to its uncompressed position. As the at least one spring 160returns to its uncompressed position, the spring 160 exerts a force onthe first and second members 610, 630 in the grooves 628, 648 near theattachment portions 616, 636 and the plating device 600 shortens. Theforce applied to the first and second members 610, 630 by the spring 160will apply axial loading across the bone or spinal segment being fused.

Alternatively, the plating device 600 may be inserted into the patientin a shortened position. When the shortened device 600 is released afterbeing secured to the patient's bones or vertebra, the at least onespring 160 will return to its uncompressed position by exerting a forceon the first and second members 610, 630 to push them apart and lengthenthe device 600.

The insertion tool may be replaced by a resorbable member (not shown) tosecure the device 600 in a desired extended or shortened position duringinsertion. When a resorbable member is used, after the plating device600 is placed in the patient with, for example, a standard driver and/orholder, the patient's incision may be closed. The resorbable member willhold the plating device 600 in the desired extended or shortenedposition until the resorbable member starts to break down or erode. Asthe resorbable member breaks down over time from exposure to the in vivoenvironment inside of the patient, the at least one deformable member160 may be released and exert force on the members 610, 630 to lengthenor shorten the device 600, as described in greater detail above. Theresorbable member may be, for example, a cross pin, pawl, or the likewhich secures the device 600 in the desired extended or shortenedposition until the resorbable member erodes.

Referring now to FIGS. 51-58, another bone fixation device 700 is shown.The bone fixation device 700 includes a first member 710, a secondmember 730, and at least one spring or deformable member 160. The terms“spring member,” “deformable member” and “elastic element” may be usedinterchangeably herein as they essentially refer to the same members.The bone fixation device 700 may also include at least one lockingmember 770. The second member 730 may be sized and shaped to fit intothe first member 710 with, for example, at least one spring member 160and the at least one locking member 770 positioned between the firstmember 710 and the second member 730. The bone fixation device 700 maybe, for example, a screw, intramedullary rod, spinal rod, bone plate,and the like for joining together, compressing or pressing together atleast two bones or pieces of bone or alternatively for expanding ordistracting at least two bones or pieces of bone, as described ingreater detail above and which will not be described again here forbrevity sake.

The first member 710, as shown in FIGS. 51-58, may be, for example afemale member. The first member 710 may include a first end 712 and asecond end 714 opposite the first end 712. The terms “first end” and“proximal end” may be used interchangeably herein and the terms “secondend” and “distal end” may be used interchangeably herein as theyessentially refer to the same ends. The first member 710 may have anopening 716 extending from the first end 712 to the second end 714 alongthe longitudinal axis of the first member 710. The opening 716 may forman interior surface 718. The opening 716 of the first member 710 mayalso include at least one tab 720 extending inward from the exteriorsurface 724 of the first member 710 into the opening 716 near the secondend 714. The opening of the interior surface 718 may have across-sectional geometry of, for example, a relatively hexagonal orpolygonal shape extending from the first end 712 to the at least one tab720. The opening 716 may also include at least one channel or slot 722inset into the interior surface 718 and extending from the first end 712toward the second end 714 and stopping when the channels 722 meet the atleast one tab 720. The at least one tab 720 may be positioned at thebottom of the at least one channel 722. The at least one channel 722 isconfigured to or may receive the at least one spring member 160. Thebone fixation device 700 may include, for example, one to twelvechannels 722 and one to twelve spring members 160, as shown in FIG. 58,the device 700 may include three channels 722 and three correspondingspring members 160. The channels 722 may be positioned radially aroundthe opening 716 to provide circumferential forces to facilitate equalcompressive loads. For example, where the opening of the interiorsurface 718 is relatively hexagonally shaped, the channels 722 may bepositioned on every other portion of the interior surface 718, forexample, on the first, third, and fifth surfaces and the second, fourth,and sixth surfaces may be generally planar. The shape of the interiorsurface 718 may also be, for example, relatively octagonal or anotherpolygonal shape with an even number of planar surfaces or sides.

With continued reference to FIGS. 51-58, the exterior surface 724 of thefirst member 710 may be, for example, generally cylindrical. Theexterior surface 724 may include a threaded portion or threaded end 726and a protrusion or extension 728. The protrusion 728 may extend awayfrom the exterior surface 724 near the first end 712 to form anengagement portion for coupling to an insertion tool or resorbablemember for insertion into a patient. The protrusion 728 may be of thetype described above with reference to protrusion 128 which will not bedescribed in detail again here for brevity sake. The threaded portion726 may be positioned, for example, toward the middle of the firstmember 710 between the protrusion 728 and the second end 714 of thefirst member 710. The threaded portion 726 may extend only along aportion of the exterior surface 724 from the protrusion 728 to thesecond end 714, or alternatively, the threaded portion 726 may extendfrom the protrusion 728 to the second end 714 of the first member 710.

The second member 730 may have a first end 732 and a second end 734opposite the first end 732, as shown in FIG. 58. The second member 730may be, for example, a male member. The second member 730 may include acannulation or channel 736 extending from the first end 732 to thesecond end 734 through the generally central portion of the secondmember 730 along the longitudinal axis of the second member 730. Thecannulation 736 may be sized to receive a guide wire, guide pin, or thelike to facilitate placement in vivo. It is also contemplated that thechannel 736 may receive, for example, the at least one spring member160. The second member 730 may also have an exterior surface 738. Theexterior surface 738 may include a threaded region or threaded end 740positioned near the second end 734 and a shaft region 742 extending fromthe threaded region 740 to the first end 732. The threaded region 740 ofthe second member 130 may have, for example, a smaller diameter than thethreaded portion 726 of the first member 710. Alternatively, thethreaded region 740 of the second member 730 may have the same diameteras the threaded portion 726 of the first member 710. In addition, thethreaded ends 726, 740 may have, for example, the same threads ordifferent threads. The threads may be selected based on the type andcondition of the bone they are being inserted into to ensure thethreaded ends 726, 740 grip onto the bones or bone pieces whiletranslation of the bones is occurring.

With continued reference to FIG. 58, the shaft portion 742 of the secondmember 730 may include, for example, a first portion 748 with agenerally cylindrical shape and a second portion 750, having across-sectional hexagonal or polygonal shape. The second portion 750 mayextend from the first end 732 of the second member 730 toward thethreaded region 740 and the first portion 748 may be positioned betweenthe threaded region 740 and the second portion 750. The second portion750 may also include at least one depression or groove 744 near thefirst end 732 of the second member 730 for insertion of the at least onetab 720. The at least one depression 744 may include, for example, oneto twelve depressions 744, in the depicted embodiment three depressions744 are shown, positioned radially around the exterior surface 738 ofthe shaft region 742. Where the second portion 750 of the shaft region742 has, for example, a polygonal shape with an even number of sides,such as, a hexagon, octagon, or the like, the depressions 744 may bepositioned on every other side of the polygonal shape. The depressions744 may be positioned and be configured to enable insertion of the atleast one tab 720 of the first member 710. The second portion 750 mayalso include at least one channel or slot 746 extending from the atleast one depression 744 toward the first portion 748. The at least onechannel 746 may be inset into the exterior surface 738. The at least onechannel 746 may include a plurality of teeth or grooves 747 positionedrelatively perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the channel 746.The grooves 747 may be sized to receive the at least one locking member770, as described in greater detail below. The at least one channel 746may at least partially receive the at least one spring member 160, asshown in FIG. 52.

The second member 730 may include, for example, any number of channels746 and any number of spring members 160, such as, one to twelvechannels 746 and one to twelve spring members 160. In the illustratedembodiment, the bone fixation device includes three channels 746 andthree spring members 160. The at least one channel 746 may be positionedradially around the second portion 750 of the exterior surface 738. Theexterior surface 738 of the second portion 750 of the shaft region 742may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the opening 716 in thefirst member 710. For example, where the exterior surface 738 of thesecond portion 750 of the shaft region 742 has a relatively hexagonalcross-sectional shape, the channels 746 may be positioned on every otherportion of the exterior surface 738, for example, on the first, thirdand fifth surfaces and the second, fourth and sixth surfaces may begenerally planar. The cross-sectional shape of the exterior surface 738may also be, for example, relatively octagonal or another polygonalshape with any number of sides. The exterior surface 738 may have anyshape with an even or odd number of sides and a spring channel 746 maybe located in one or more of the sides of the exterior surface 738. Atleast one spring member 160 will be positioned in the at least onespring channel 746.

The bone fixation device 700 may have, for example, the at least onespring member 160 that is positioned between the at least one channel722 of the first member 710 and the at least one channel 746 of thesecond member 730 when the second member 730 is inserted into the firstmember 710. In the depicted embodiment, at least three spring members160 are positioned between the three channels 722 and the three channels746. The at least three spring members 160 may be, for example, threesingle springs or three sets of at least two springs. The spring members160 may be, for example, spiral springs or straight springs as describedin greater detail above with respect to bone fixation device 100.

The at least one locking member 770, as shown in FIGS. 54-58, may besized and shaped to be positioned between the channel 722 of the firstmember 710 and the channel 746 of the second member 730. The at leastone locking member 770 may also be positioned proximal to the at leastone tab 720 of the first member 710 and distal to the at least onespring member 160. The at least one locking member 770 may be, forexample, a ratcheting locking member 770 which allows the first andsecond members 710, 730 to be moved in a first direction with respect toeach other, as shown in FIGS. 54-55, but locks the first and secondmembers 710, 730 together and prevents them from moving in a secondopposite direction, as shown in FIGS. 56-57. The at least one lockingmember 770 engages the grooves 747 in the at least one channel 746 ofthe second member 730 at a first end and contacts the at least onechannel 722 of the first member 710 at a second end to secure the firstand second members 710, 730 in a desired position. The at least onelocking member 770 may be, for example, rotatably connected to the atleast one channel 722 of the first member 710. The at least one lockingmember 770 may be, for example, rounded on a first end and planar on asecond opposite end. It is also contemplated that the locking member 770may be, for example, a conical shaped spring washer or anotheralternative shape which allows for the locking members 770 to move in afirst direction and lock in a second direction. The locking members 770may, for example, prevent the first member 710 and second member 730from lengthening after compression of the bone fixation device 700 iscomplete.

The at least one tab 720 and at least one locking member 770 of the bonefixation device 700 may be, for example, used in place of the ringmember 170 in the fixation device 400 and the fixation device 500 asdescribed above with respect to bone fixation device 700.

By way of specific example, the bone fixation device 700 may be a screw.The screw 700 may be, for example, a 5.5 mm screw with the opening 716of the first member 710 having a width at the first end 712 ofapproximately 2.5 mm to 3.5 mm and a diameter at the second end 714 ofapproximately 4 mm to 5 mm and the shaft region 742 of the second member730 having, for example, an outer diameter of approximately 2.5 mm to3.5 mm.

A method of assembling the bone fixation device 700 may include, forexample, obtaining a first member, a second member, at least one springmember, and at least one locking member. The method may also include,for example, inserting a portion of the second member into the firstmember. The method may further include, for example, positioning the atleast one spring member between the first member and the second memberand positioning the at least one locking member between the first memberand the second member distal to the at least one spring member. Finally,the method may include sliding the second member into the first memberto a first position.

The methods of using the bone fixation device 700 is similar to asdescribed above with reference to the methods of using the bone fixationdevice 100 and which will not be described again here for brevity sake.

The present invention provides in one aspect, a bone fixation deviceincluding a first member, a second member shaped to engage the firstmember, at least one spring member, and a ring member shaped to engagethe first member and the second member.

In some embodiments the bone fixation device includes the first memberwith an opening extending from a first end to a second end defining aninterior surface and the interior surface includes a groove near thesecond end of the first member and at least one channel extending formthe first end to the groove. The first member also including a threadedportion extending out from an exterior surface of the first member and aprotrusion near the first end extending away from the exterior surface.

In some embodiments the bone fixation device includes the second memberwith a cannulation extending from a first end to a second end and anexterior surface. The exterior surface including a shaft region near thefirst end and a threaded region near the second end. The shaft regionwith at least one depression near the first end and at least one channelextending from the first end toward the second end along a section ofthe shaft region.

In some embodiments the bone fixation device includes the at least onedeformable member positioned between the first member and the secondmember.

In some embodiments the bone fixation device includes the ring memberincluding a body portion removably coupled to the groove on an exteriorsurface and at least one protrusion extending away from an interiorsurface of the body portion of the ring member, the at least oneprotrusion shaped to engage the at least one channel of the shaft regionof the second member.

The present invention also provides in one aspect, a bone fusion deviceincluding a female member with a proximal end and a distal end, a malemember with a proximal end and a distal end, at least three elasticelements each engaging the at least three slots of the female member andthe at least three slots of the male member, and a fastener. The femalemember including a channel extending from the proximal end to the distalend and having an interior surface, an end having at least onecylindrical thread, and an extension near the proximal end. The interiorsurface having a groove near the distal end of the female member and atleast three slots extending from the proximal end to the groove andinset into the interior surface. The male member including a holeextending from the proximal end to the distal end and an exteriorsurface. The exterior surface including a shaft region near the proximalend and shaped to engage the opening of the female member and an endcomprising a series of threads. The shaft region including at least onegroove near the proximal end and at least three slots extending from theproximal end toward the distal end along a section of the shaft region.The fastener including a body with an exterior surface that engages thegroove of the female member and at least three tabs extending away froman interior surface of the body of the fastener, the at least three tabsare shaped to engage the at least three slots of the shaft region of themale member.

In some embodiments the bone fusion device includes the end of thefemale member with a first diameter and the end of the male member witha second diameter, the first diameter is larger than the seconddiameter.

The present invention also provides in another aspect, a bone platingdevice including a first member with a male coupling member and a femalecoupling member, a second member with a male coupling member and afemale coupling member, wherein the male coupling member of the firstmember engages the female coupling member of the second member and thefemale coupling member of the first member engages the male couplingmember of the second member, and at least one deformable memberpositioned between the first member and the second member.

The present invention provides in another aspect, a method forassembling a bone fixation device, the method may include obtaining afirst member, a second member, a ring member, and at least one springmember. The method may also include coupling the ring member to thesecond member. The method may further include positioning the at leastone spring member inside at least the first member and between the ringmember and a first end of the first member. Finally, the method mayinclude sliding the second member into the first member until the ringmember is inserted into an opening at a second end of the first member.

In some embodiments the method for assembling the bone fixation devicemay also include inserting a portion of a first end of the second memberinto the second end of the first member prior to positioning the atleast one deformable member.

The present invention provides in yet another aspect, a method ofinserting a bone fixation device, the method may include obtaining thebone fixation device. The bone fixation device including a first member,a second member engaging the first member, at least one elastic elementpositioned inside at least the first member, and a ring member engagingthe first member and the second member. The method may also includeobtaining an insertion tool and inserting a portion of the first memberinto an opening in the insertion tool. The method may further includemoving the second member as the insertion tool engages the first member.Finally, the method may include inserting the bone fixation device intoat least one bone of a patient and removing the insertion tool from thebone fixation device.

In some embodiments, the method of inserting the bone fixation devicemay also include inserting a guide wire into the at least one bone ofthe patient, using the guide wire to insert the bone fixation deviceinto the at least one bone of the patient, and imaging the at least onebone of the patient to check the position of the inserted bone fixationdevice

The present invention provides in a further aspect, a bone fusion deviceincluding a female member with a proximal end and a distal end, a malemember with a proximal end and a distal end, and at least one elasticelement positioned between the female member and the male member.

In some embodiments, the bone fusion device may also include the femalemember with an opening extending along at least a portion of theproximal end to the distal end and having an interior surface. Theinterior surface may include at least one slot extending from a positionnear the distal end toward the proximal end and inset into the interiorsurface.

In some embodiments, the bone fusion device may also include the malemember with an exterior surface including a shaft region near theproximal end and shaped to engage the opening of the female member. Theshaft region including at least one groove near the proximal end and atleast one slot extending from the proximal end toward the distal endalong a section of the shaft region.

In some embodiments, the bone fusion device may also include the atleast one elastic element positioned within at least a portion of the atleast one slot of the female member and within at least a portion of theat least one slot of the male member.

In some embodiments, the bone fusion device may also include the distalend of the female member with a first diameter and the proximal end ofthe male member with a second diameter, wherein the first diameter islarger than the second diameter.

In some embodiments, the bone fusion device may also include the atleast one elastic element comprises three elastic elements, the at leastone slot of the female member comprises three slots, and the at leastone slot of the male member comprises three slots.

In some embodiments, the bone fusion device may also include the femalemember further including at least one tab coupled to the interiorsurface of the female member and extending into the opening.

In some embodiments, the bone fusion device may also include the atleast one tab positioned at the end of the at least one slot of thefemale member and aligned with the at least one slot of the male member.

In some embodiments, the bone fusion device may also include at leastone slot of the male member including a plurality of grooves positionedperpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the male member.

In some embodiments, the bone fusion device may also include a lockingmember coupled to the female member at a first end and shaped to engagethe plurality of grooves in the at least one slot of the male member ata second end.

In some embodiments, the bone fusion device may also include a fastenerwith a body with an exterior surface that engages a groove in theinterior surface of the female member and at least one tab extendingaway from an interior surface of the body of the fastener. The at leastone tab shaped to engage the at least one slot of the shaft region ofthe male member.

The present invention provides in yet another aspect, a bone platingdevice including a first member, a second member shaped to engage thefirst member, and at least one deformable member positioned between thefirst member and the second member.

In some embodiments, the bone plating device may also include the firstmember with a coupling portion at a first end of the first member and anattachment portion at a second end of the first member.

In some embodiments, the bone plating device may also include thecoupling portion of the first member may include a male coupling memberextending along a first side of the coupling portion, a female couplingmember extending along a second side of the coupling portion, whereinthe first side is positioned opposite the second side, and at least onegroove extending from a position near a first end of the first member toa position near the attachment portion of the first member.

In some embodiments, the bone plating device may also include the secondmember with an attachment portion at a first end of the second memberand a coupling portion at a second end of the second member.

In some embodiments, the bone plating device may also include thecoupling portion of the second member with a female coupling memberextending along a first side of the coupling portion, a male couplingmember extending along a second side of the coupling portion, whereinthe first side is positioned opposite the second side, and at least onegroove extending from a position near a second end of the second memberto a position near the attachment portion of the second member.

In some embodiments, the bone plating device may also include the malecoupling member of the first member engaging the female coupling memberof the second member and the female coupling member of the first memberengaging the male coupling member of the second member.

In some embodiments, the bone plating device may also include the atleast one deformable member is positioned within at least a portion ofthe at least one groove of the first member and within at least aportion of the at least one groove of the second member.

The present invention provides in yet another aspect, a method ofassembling a bone fixation device including obtaining a first member, asecond member, and at least one deformable member. The method may alsoinclude positioning the at least one deformable member inside at leastthe first member and sliding the second member into the first member tocouple the first member to the second member.

In some embodiments, the method of assembling a bone fixation device mayalso include inserting a portion of a first end of the second memberinto the second end of the first member prior to positioning the atleast one deformable member.

The present invention provides in another aspect, a method of insertinga bone fixation device including obtaining the bone fixation device. Thebone fixation device including a first member, a second member engagingthe first member, and at least one elastic element positioned inside atleast the first member. The method may also include obtaining aninsertion tool and inserting a portion of the first member into anopening in the insertion tool. The method may further include moving thesecond member as the insertion tool engages the first member andinserting the bone fixation device into at least one bone of a patient.Finally, the method may include removing the insertion tool from thebone fixation device.

In some embodiments, the method of inserting a bone fixation device mayalso include inserting a guide wire into the at least one bone of thepatient. The method may further include using the guide wire to insertthe bone fixation device into the at least one bone of the patient andimaging the at least one bone of the patient to check the position ofthe inserted bone fixation device.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. Asused herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprise” (andany form of comprise, such as “comprises” and “comprising”), “have” (andany form of have, such as “has”, and “having”), “include” (and any formof include, such as “includes” and “including”), and “contain” (and anyform of contain, such as “contains” and “containing”) are open-endedlinking verbs. As a result, a method or device that “comprises,” “has,”“includes,” or “contains” one or more steps or elements possesses thoseone or more steps or elements, but is not limited to possessing onlythose one or more steps or elements. Likewise, a step of a method or anelement of a device that “comprises,” “has,” “includes,” or “contains”one or more features possesses those one or more features, but is notlimited to possessing only those one or more features. Furthermore, adevice or structure that is configured in a certain way is configured inat least that way, but may also be configured in ways that are notlisted.

Although the example embodiments have been depicted and described indetail herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant artthat various modifications, additions and substitutions can be madewithout departing from its essence and therefore these are to beconsidered to be within the scope of the following claims.

1. A bone fixation device comprising: a first member; a second membershaped to engage the first member; and at least one deformable memberpositioned between the first member and the second member.
 2. The bonefixation device of claim 1, wherein the first member comprises: anopening extending from a second end to a first end along at least aportion of the first member defining an interior surface in the firstmember.
 3. The bone fixation device of claim 2, wherein the interiorsurface comprises: at least one channel extending along at least aportion of a length of the first member between the first end and thesecond end.
 4. The bone fixation device of claim 3, wherein the secondmember comprises: an exterior surface having a shaft region near thefirst end, wherein the shaft region comprises: at least one depressionnear the first end; and at least one channel extending from the firstend toward the second end along a section of the shaft region.
 5. Thebone fixation device of claim 4, wherein the exterior surface furthercomprises: a threaded region near the second end.
 6. The bone fixationdevice of claim 5, wherein the first member further comprises: athreaded portion extending out from an exterior surface of the firstmember; and a protrusion near the first end extending away from theexterior surface.
 7. The bone fixation device of claim 4, wherein thesecond member further comprises: a cannulation extending from a firstend to a second end.
 8. The bone fixation device of claim 4, wherein theexterior surface of the second member further comprises: at least onethrough hole near the second end of the second member.
 9. The bonefixation device of claim 8, wherein the first member further comprises:an exterior surface comprising: at least one through hole near the firstend of the first member.
 10. The bone fixation device of claim 4,wherein the at least one deformable member is positioned between the atleast one channel of the first member and the at least one channel ofthe second member.
 11. The bone fixation device of claim 4, furthercomprising: at least one tab coupled to the interior surface of thefirst member.
 12. The bone fixation device of claim 11, wherein the atleast one tab is positioned at the end of the at least one channel ofthe first member and aligns with the at least one channel of the secondmember.
 13. The bone fixation device of claim 12, wherein the at leastone channel of the second member comprises: a plurality of groovespositioned perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the second member.14. The bone fixation device of claim 13, further comprising: a lockingmechanism coupled to the first member at a first end and shaped toengage the plurality of grooves in the at least one channel of thesecond member at a second end.
 15. The bone fixation device of claim 4,further comprising: a ring member shaped to engage the first member andthe second member.
 16. The bone fixation device of claim 15, wherein theinterior surface of the first member further comprises: a grooveproximate the second end of the first member; and wherein the at leastone channel extends from the first end to the groove.
 17. The bonefixation device of claim 16, wherein the ring member comprises: a bodyportion removably coupled to the groove on an exterior surface; and atleast one protrusion extending away from an interior surface of the bodyportion of the ring member, the at least one protrusion shaped to engagethe at least one channel of the shaft region of the second member. 18.The bone fixation device of claim 1, further comprising: a lockingmechanism engaging the first member at a first end and the second memberat a second end.
 19. The bone fixation device of claim 1, wherein thefirst member comprises: a coupling portion at a first end of the firstmember; and an attachment portion at a second end of the first member.20. The bone fixation device of claim 19, wherein the coupling portionof the first member comprises: a male coupling member extending along afirst side of the coupling portion; a female coupling member extendingalong a second side of the coupling portion, wherein the first side ispositioned opposite the second side; and at least one groove extendingfrom a position near a first end of the first member to a position nearthe attachment portion of the first member.
 21. The bone fixation deviceof claim 20, wherein the second member comprises: an attachment portionat a first end of the second member; and a coupling portion at a secondend of the second member.
 22. The bone fixation device of claim 21,wherein the coupling portion of the second member comprises: a femalecoupling member extending along a first side of the coupling portion; amale coupling member extending along a second side of the couplingportion, wherein the first side is positioned opposite the second side;and at least one groove extending from a position near a second end ofthe second member to a position near the attachment portion of thesecond member.
 23. The bone fixation device of claim 22, wherein themale coupling member of the first member engages the female couplingmember of the second member and the female coupling member of the firstmember engages the male coupling member of the second member.
 24. Thebone fixation device of claim 23, wherein the at least one deformablemember is positioned within at least a portion of the at least onegroove of the first member and within at least a portion of the at leastone groove of the second member.
 25. A bone fixation device comprising:a female member with a proximal end and a distal end; a male member witha proximal end and a distal end; and at least one elastic elementpositioned between the female member and the male member.
 26. The bonefixation device of claim 25, wherein the female member comprises: anopening extending along at least a portion of the proximal end to thedistal end and having an interior surface, the interior surfacecomprising: at least one slot extending from a position near the distalend toward the proximal end and inset into the interior surface.
 27. Thebone fixation device of claim 26, wherein the male member comprises: anexterior surface comprising: a shaft region near the proximal end andshaped to engage the opening of the female member, the shaft regioncomprising: at least one groove near the proximal end; and at least oneslot extending from the proximal end toward the distal end along asection of the shaft region.
 28. The bone fixation device of claim 27,wherein the at least one elastic element is positioned within at least aportion of the at least one slot of the female member and within atleast a portion of the at least one slot of the male member.
 29. Thebone fixation device of claim 25, wherein the distal end of the femalemember has a first diameter and the proximal end of the male member hasa second diameter, the first diameter is larger than the seconddiameter.
 30. The bone fixation device of claim 27, wherein the at leastone elastic element comprises three elastic elements, the at least oneslot of the female member comprises three slots, and the at least oneslot of the male member comprises three slots.
 31. The bone fixationdevice of claim 27, wherein the female member further comprises: atleast one tab coupled to the interior surface of the female member andextending into the opening.
 32. The bone fixation device of claim 31,wherein the at least one tab is positioned at the end of the at leastone slot of the female member and aligns with the at least one slot ofthe male member.
 33. The bone fixation device of claim 32, wherein theat least one slot of the male member comprises: a plurality of groovespositioned perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the male member. 34.The bone fixation device of claim 33, further comprising: a lockingmember coupled to the female member at a first end and shaped to engagethe plurality of grooves in the at least one slot of the male member ata second end.
 35. The bone fixation device of claim 27, furthercomprising: a fastener, comprising: a body with an exterior surface thatengages a groove in the interior surface of the female member; and atleast one tab extending away from an interior surface of the body of thefastener, the at least one tab is shaped to engage the at least one slotof the shaft region of the male member.